Dunfermline

📌 City in Fife
★★★

Dunfermline is Fife’s largest settlement and – as of 2022 – Scotland’s newest city, fighting off stiff competition from seven other Scottish candidates. The town was the royal capital of Scotland until the early 17th century, and after a major fire in 1624 regained importance through a thriving linen industry and mining activity. Today it rivals Stirling in its scope for a day out: there are now two excellent museums, a famous palace and abbey (and resting place of Scottish royalty), and a real gem in the form of Pittencrieff Park. Many of the town’s best spots have Andrew Carnegie to thank: the ultra-wealthy businessman and philanthropist was born in a weaver’s cottage here in 1835. Most of the interesting stuff is found in Dunfermline’s small Heritage Quarter, but the centre of town is fairly compact and the High Street in particular is also worth a look.

🌍 Location

📌 Fife

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 092875

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.071461,-3.459772

🚶 All the town’s attractions are within walking distance of the centre. Nearby Culross is accessible by bus.

🚆🚌 Dunfermline has excellent train and bus connections, including from Edinburgh, Perth and Glasgow. This is a great day trip option from Edinburgh.

🚗 Some town centre car parking has a charge, but there are plenty of free options further out.

<1 mi away

>> Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum ★★★

>> Dunfermline Abbey, Palace & Church ★★★

>> Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries ★★★

>> Pittencrieff Park ★★★

>> St Margaret’s Cave ★★★

<3 mi away

>> Charlestown Limekilns & Harbour ★★ (3 mi ↓)

>> Lathalmond Railway Museum ★★ (3 mi ↑)

>> The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum ★★★ (3 mi ↑)

>> Walk: A lap of Craigluscar Hill ★★★ (3 mi ↑, map: blue)

>> Walk: Loch Fitty & the legacy of St Ninian’s ★★★ (3 mi →, map: green)

>> Walk: The Kiln Coast – a step back in lime ★★ (3 mi ↓, map: gold)

Local walks map